International Retinal Research Foundation

Providing financial support for vision research. 

The Robert Machemer, MD Foundation and The International Retinal Research Foundation Fellowship

The Robert Machemer Foundation and the IRRF have collaborated to establish the Robert Machemer, MD Foundation and International Retinal Research Foundation Fellowship, that will provide $100,000 a year in career research development.  The goal is to support the transition of a vitreoretinal surgical fellow to pursue independent research to improve knowledge of the causes and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.  Eligible applicants are senior vitreoretinal surgical fellows.  Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and ranked based on the potential of the applicant, the quality and feasibility of research, and the mentoring plan.  

To learn more about this Award, go HERE

IRRF Continues a Partnership Initiative Providing Sustained Research Funding:

The International Retinal Research Foundation is continuing a partnership with The Retina Society that has provided research funding for two consecutive years, and will continue for one additional year. This partnership presents opportunities that leverage the power of matching grants from more than one source.

The Retina Society Research & Education Fund

Retina Society/IRRF Award

The main mission of the Retina Society is to advance knowledge and education in the field of retina.  Consistent with that mission, the Retina Society established a research and education grant program, with the objective of funding several annual research grants to support innovative research by Retina Society members.  In their inaugural year, two grants of $25,000 each were funded.  In 2022, The Retina Society and the IRRF partnered to fund three grants of $50,000 each per year for three years.

Eligibility:  Only active and associate members of The Retina Society may apply for grants.  For further information and funding guidelines, go to www.retinasociety.org.

Current IRRF-Funded Research

The IRRF Board of Directors approves up to two years of funding for eight grantees. Below are the current awardees.

The International Retinal Research Foundation will be moving away from our Regular Grant Funding to concentrate on establishing collaborations and partnerships to maximize research impact.  All other funding, including Postdoctoral Scholars, will be supported. Go to this link to apply for IRRF-sponsored funding: Download Forms.

Questions or request for information should be forwarded to Sandra Blackwood either by email, [email protected] by phone, 205-325-8103, or by writing to Sandra Blackwood, Executive Director, The International Retinal Research Foundation, Inc., 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233

Meet the new 2024 IRRF Scholar Awardees

Photos of 2024 IRRF Awardees

 Rich Awardee   Kelman Awardee   Callahan Awardee 

The next submission date for IRRF Postdoctoral Scholar Awards is March 15. More Info. The next submission date for the Machemer / IRRF Fellowship Application is August 1. More Info. Questions or request for information should be forwarded to Sandra Blackwood either by email, [email protected] or phone, 205-325-8103

Image of IRRF 2023-2024 Annual Report
IRRF 2023-2024 Annual Report

IRRF Featured News

IRRF Continues a Partnership Initiative Providing Sustained Research Funding:

Grant Application Forms Download

Postdoctoral Scholar Awards – $35,000 for One Year — Submission Deadline: March 15.

More Info. Download form: Grant Application.doc Questions or request for information should be forwarded to Sandra Blackwood either by email, [email protected] or phone, 205-325-8103

IRRF News